Best Nursing Homes in Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue
Quick Answer
Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue has 14 Medicare-certified nursing homes with an average SunsetWell score of 38.5/100. Top-rated facility: QUEEN ANNE HEALTHCARE (score: 89). Typical costs range $6,000-$12,000/month for private pay. 29% of facilities score 75+ (high-performing).
Market Overview
Seattle's skilled nursing landscape shows below average quality with 14 facilities averaging a SunsetWell score of 38.5. 29% of facilities score 75 or higher, indicating moderate availability of high-performing options.
The 89-point gap between highest and lowest-rated facilities highlights quality variation in this market. Families should review current state inspection reports, tour multiple facilities, and verify Medicaid/Medicare acceptance before making decisions.
Score Distribution
⭐ Excellent Options (75-89)
QUEEN ANNE HEALTHCARE
CAROLINE KLINE GALLAND HOME
TACOMA NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
MIRABELLA SEATTLE
✓ Mixed Quality (40-59)
LEA HILL REHABILITATION AND CARE CENTER
CORWIN CENTER AT EMERALD HEIGHTS
AVALON CARE CENTER - FEDERAL WAY
⚠️ Lower-Performing (0-39)
BALLARD CENTER
CASCADES OF ST ANNE
AVALON HEALTHCARE - TACOMA
AVAMERE AT PACIFIC RIDGE
THE OAKS AT LAKEWOOD
GARDEN TERRACE HEALTHCARE CENTER OF FEDERAL WAY
CANTERBURY HOUSE
How to Choose the Right Facility
If quality is your top priority:
→ Consider: QUEEN ANNE HEALTHCARE, CAROLINE KLINE GALLAND HOME, TACOMA NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER
These facilities score 75+ and demonstrate consistent excellence in health inspections, staffing, and quality measures.
For urgent placement:
Contact top-rated facilities first to check availability. Consider expanding search to nearby metros if needed. Avoid rushing into lower-scoring facilities—invest time in thorough evaluation even in emergencies.
Important: Always tour facilities personally, review current state inspection reports, and verify Medicare/Medicaid acceptance before making final decisions. Scores provide objective comparison but cannot replace in-person evaluation.
Detailed Comparison
| Rank | Facility | SunsetWell Score® (0-100 weighted) | Percentile (vs. state peers) | Health | Staffing | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QUEEN ANNE HEALTHCARE | 89 | 89 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | CAROLINE KLINE GALLAND HOME | 83 | 83 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | TACOMA NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER | 80 | 80 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | MIRABELLA SEATTLE | 76 | 76 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5 | LEA HILL REHABILITATION AND CARE CENTER | 59 | 59 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 6 | CORWIN CENTER AT EMERALD HEIGHTS | 52 | 52 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 7 | AVALON CARE CENTER - FEDERAL WAY | 43 | 43 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 8 | BALLARD CENTER | 34 | 34 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| 9 | CASCADES OF ST ANNE | 23 | 23 | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 10 | AVALON HEALTHCARE - TACOMA | 0 | 0 | ⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
| 11 | AVAMERE AT PACIFIC RIDGE | 0 | 0 | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 12 | THE OAKS AT LAKEWOOD | 0 | 0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 13 | GARDEN TERRACE HEALTHCARE CENTER OF FEDERAL WAY | 0 | 0 | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 14 | CANTERBURY HOUSE | 0 | 0 | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Additional Resources
State Oversight
- • State Health Department: Check current inspection reports
- • Medicare Nursing Home Compare: medicare.gov/care-compare
- • State Ombudsman: Resident advocacy and complaints
Financial Planning
- • Elder Law Attorney Referral: Plan Medicaid eligibility
- • Veterans Benefits: VA Aid & Attendance
- • Long-Term Care Insurance: Review policy coverage
Disclaimer: This guide is educational only. SunsetWell scores are based on CMS data and peer-group analysis. Always tour facilities personally, speak with staff, review current state inspection reports, and consult healthcare professionals before making placement decisions.
Last updated: January 2025 | Data source: CMS Nursing Home Compare, State Health Departments, SunsetWell Analysis